A Secret Cinderella Meets Her Match... NEW from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sabrina Stark: Melody Blaire is supposedly an heiress. But in reality, she's the maid, the gardener, and everything in-between. Surrounded by sharks and living on her own, this artists' orphan has, for too long, been too polite, too trusting, and too outnumbered to shake things up.
But that was all before him – the brooding stranger who's definitely no prince. He's hot. He's fearless. He's Joel Bishop, a hard-bodied Adonis who's no stranger to a wicked fight.
After their first awkward encounter courtesy of an idiotic prank, Melody and Joel soon discover that neither one is quite what they seem. Soon, Melody's wondering…Is Joel's tough exterior hiding the soul of a true artist underneath?
A full-length novel, this new adult contemporary romance is the first in a two-book series starring Joel Bishop. Book-two, Something True, is coming this Fall.
I loved this novel! But honestly I love this author! I feel like she understands what I love in a novel and writes it just for me. I love reading a novel that sucks you into the novel and won't let you leave until the very last page. Thats what this novel was like for me, forget sleep this novel was well worth losing sleep over. This novel was great! I loved the main characters Melody and Joel. I loved peeling back the layers to discover who Joel really is. I love a story that can make you cry, smile, laugh and leave you feeling happy. This novel did this for me! I loved it and can't wait to see what this author writes next.
I've loved all the books in this series so far and this book is no exception. The Bishop brothers just keep getting better and better. Unable to deal with each other with anything other than distinction, the brothers love their women hard. While the book is from Melody's viewpoint and you experience her pain and trouble in her life, you can't ignore the pain and trouble in Joel's life. Derek and his father seem to be out to make sure Melody is kept under their thumbs for whatever purpose and Joel is the only one who cares and tries to help.
I don't particularly like cliffhangers, but I can't wait to see what part two of the story brings for Joel and Melody. Another great book from Sabrina Stark.
Omg, Omg, Omg, it ends on a cliffhanger! I was not expecting that. My review may have some SPOILERS!
I was engaged in this book right from the start. Joel and Melody had me intrigued. Both characters carry such heavy weights of insecurity I was rooting for them to see that they are so much more than who they thought they were. I loved the two together and I really loved Joel's alpha male tendencies. He was so protective of Melody, it was sweet. Derek needs a good kick up the ass. I really hope he gets what is coming to him in the next book. This story was sweet and and had a few sexy moments thrown in. I am so sad that it ended in a cliffhanger, my heart broke for Joel.
A plea to Sabrina Stark, please don't turn Joel into a depressed manwhore. I really want better for him then that. I hate it when there is a break up between characters and the hero goes a sleeps with any anyone and everyone. I am eager for book 2 but am so nervous for how Joel will react to his latest rejection. Hopefully Melody doesn't wait too long to go after him and wises up to Derek's schemes.
Wow - Sabrina was able to capture me again with another outstanding book. So we all know of (or at least you should if you don't know of the Bishop family, you are missing out) Lawton, Bishop, Jake. Now Joel story has begun. He already is being pegged for a bad seed. It is in the name. I am always intrigued when a book starts with the cliff hanger, so it automatically catches my attention. Melody is a beautiful young woman who you would think has this "great" life. Though is it really so great. When she stumbles upon this bad boy Joel, she had no clue how "rich" she was about to become with getting to know him and fall for him. Though there is always that one person who plays against you and tries to take all the glory. I can't wait for Sabrina next sequel so I can discover more to this rags to riches story.
received copy for honest review 3.5 stars I enjoyed the story for the most part. It kept me interested and wanting to find out if Joel and Melody would get their act together and have a HEA. Unfortunately, we have to wait because the story ends on a cliffhanger. I had a hard time with Melody. She is not very strong. She is too gullible when it comes to Derek and her estate. She is way too insecure. Joel was better but the constant running was a little annoying. However, I was able to get past that because I was anxious to see what would happen next. You could pretty much anticipate what would happen but still the angst was there. There are some cute and funny banter throughout the book which helped a lot. The friends are great. Everyone should have an Aunt Gina. she is the best. LOL.
Struggling to keep her head above water following her parents' death, and despite having friends, Melody is essentially on her own and in a mess. Living in a home which is starting to crumble around her and having no money, she doesn't know how much longer she can hold on. By a quirk of fate (and a nasty prank) quiet, brooding Joel Bishop enters her life but is he her prince come to save her from a life of drudgery?
Melody is sweet and determined, quirky with a talent for putting her foot in it. Joel is all pent up aggression, deep and guarded but clearly has a loving and protective side to him. I love the cat and mouse game they play and the banter between them and other characters had me laughing out loud. Derek, the estate's attorney, is proving to be a bit of a villain and there's more going on with him than meets the eye.
A slow burn, Something Tattered is well written, with just the right amount of drama. There are many secrets still to be told and I can't wait for the conclusion to this story, Something True, to see how they unfold. Some characters are definitely devious and I'm eager to see if they receive the comeuppance they deserve!
I have to add that this, although part of a duet of books, is a standalone story and it is not necessary to have read this author's previous books in order to enjoy this one, although I would highly recommend those too.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book**
First off - This book was very interesting and exciting read.
Melody - Daughter of a deceased art painter tries to get everything running smoothly with the few ressources she has access to. From maintaining the mansion her parents owned, all by herself, to helping her friend in a bakery, she needs some happiness for once in her life.
Into the picture comes Joel Bishop, a hot fine specimen of a young man, with a rough past and "shitty" brothers, he's living day by day and don't believe in such a thing like happiness before it runs out dry.
So.... here is my opinion on the book :) I liked it, I really did. Quite exciting at times where I just wanted to lay the book down and take a break, but couldn't because it was so darn good at the part, so continuing to read the book I do, and holy smokes Joel and Melody start something very juicy stuff before knowing each other 100%. But seriously, they need to here each other out!!
All in all I loved the book except the ending, I needed some closure to the ending and not such a sudden ending, therefore I hope and cross all my fingers the author will make a sequel to this book because it was to good and I would love to know what happens with Melody and Joel and how everthing goes after the ending.
And because of the ending without closure this book gets 4****
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Melody and Joel keep you guessing in this series starter. Melody's life is in tatters. Her family estate is falling down around her and by a stroke of wild misfortune she doesn't have the funds to repair it. As hard as she works it never seems to be enough to keep ahead of the ever growing list of things she needs to tackle. Add to that the public face she has to present to the world and she is quite literally at her wits end. When acting as a figure head on the estates endowment committee she has a unfortunate misunderstanding with one of the candidates. She thought he was there as a stripper (very long back story involving a quirky aunt and a birthday) and he thought he was there to paint a boardroom. Neither was in on the joke and both were played a fool. But the incident had one happy outcome it brought the strong taciturn Joel into Melody's life. Joel is unlike any man she has encountered before. While sometimes rude and uncommunicative, he can also he kind and thoughtful and oh so handsome. He genuinely wants to help her with all her problems with the estate and her swarmey lawyer/would be friend Derek whom seems to have his interest more than Melody's at heart. Sometimes in order to protect the ones you love you are forced to make the hard call.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book I wanted to kill Derek. I mean no really but knock the crap out of him. The whole thing reminds me of “who’s on first”. But talk about “worse 21st birthday ever”! Hot painter guy (Joel) being a “jerkface”, car not working, running into a stalker guy, not plates on a car with guns in the trunk and relatives robbing you. I mean…who wouldn’t want to party after all of that! Mostly the book is about her, Joel, Derek and her friends. Until about 70% of the book, we get to some good parts. Bust mostly this book is no more than between and R to at most NC17 and that’s to a small part of the book. Lots of trust issues but we do have to remember that they are still trying to learn about each other. Of course, stuff goes south in the last few chapters. But here’s the kicker…THIS IS BOOK 1!!! Nowhere in the book does it say that. I say that because of the ending. I mean, if this isn’t book 1, then it needs a really long epilogue. Story is too sweet that I almost lost a tooth from it. There’s just too many things missing. The real truth about Derek. About Joel and his brothers. There are so many more books that the author can go from but in this one, Derek is the real monster. Oh, this book IS NOT WORTH 3.99! At best, .99 or less.
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book. girl meets bad boy is the usual story but this was more interesting with melody dealing with all the crap of her parents estate and scumbag lawyer who is supposed to be her friend. the day she meets the handsome man she thought it was a bday stripper from his aunt and then feels horrible about the situation. next thing she knows she is at a campground trying to find the guy...joel...to apologize and give him the check back. there is smtg mysterious and sexy about him but he is also a conceited jerk whom she shouldn't give the time of day especially on her 21st bday. but instead of celebrating with her friends she is stuck with a dead car in the middle of nowhere. jerkface rescues her, takes her home to find her aunt n uncle stealing from the house yet again. Joel saves the day and then takes her to her party. Mel knows he is hiding smtg, scumbag lawyer Derek hates him and does everything to ruin Mel's fun. the more mel.gets to know Joel the more she likes him and thinks he is a great guy. they spend more and more time together but secrets have a way of coming to light but at what cost? will Mel find out the truth about Joel? will she be able to deal with all the stress that is her life?
***I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book***
I enjoyed this story. Melody and Joel are well developed, aggravating characteristics and all. Melody has inherited her family's fortune, which is mostly tied up in THINGS rather than bank accounts. Trying to maintain her family image, she is working part-time jobs to make ends meet - refusing to sell off the family treasures. She is stubborn, independent, and terrified. Joel is in town on "vacation" -- from his family, his past, and life in general.
I thought at times that the conversation was stilted and not true to life. Mostly this was when Mel was trying to explain something and passed it off as *why can't I ever think of the right thing to say?!* This happens a lot, as the plot is thick with things they don't want the other to know about yet. Otherwise, I truly enjoyed the story and interaction among the characters.
I'm giving this 4 stars, as it was compelling enough to read in one sitting, and I liked the characters. I was, however, a bit peeved at the ending....which isn't an ending! Major cliffhanger!
To be perfectly honest I hadn't really read the blurb when I chose to read this book as I knew I had read this author before and knew it would something I would enjoy. 'Something Tattered' by Sabrina Stark is another great book by this author and is a 4 star read for me.
Melody and Joel have both had some serious misfortunes in their lives but they have managed somehow to have found each other and for both the other is something so special. Joel is a fighter and is used to things not going his way so he is quite guarded about things as anything good for him never works out. Melody is a bit more optimistic but doesn't really have any control over her own life. Together they feel like they are home and where they are meant to be but as ever things may just not work out how they want.
What I will say is that this is a part of a duet and stupidly I hadn't realised that when I started but that being said I am pleased that I read this book and can't wait to read the conclusion and find out what happens. You are left with a cliffhanger and I have many questions and suspicions that I want answers to. Am looking forward to reading what Sabrina Stark gives us next.
Oh my goodness! I couldn't stop reading this for a moment! The heartache and pain these two go through is so horrid. Even after they finally have everything they could ever want going for them, that jacka** had to keep screwing with them and mess everything up. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I'm just hoping that derick finally gets what's coming to him for real. Screwing with Melody like he has for so long, I'd guarantee that his father probably doesn't even know all that he's doing to her...and if he does, ugh!!! Joel hasn't had a great time in life, but he's finally letting go and letting himself get attached, only to have derick mucking things up. He was right, Derick is jealous of Melody, now just to get through to him and make him see what the problem is once she's gotten through the six months...if not sooner! I'm hoping she finds out the truth about the estate and can get him back quicker...with a good beat down for Derick in the process.
I'm voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.
Before starting this book my advice to you is pick up the Jake Bishop books and the Illegal Fortunes book and read these first. You'll get so much more enjoyment and back story if you do. That being said, you can happily read only this book and not be lost, but why deny yourself the pleasure of the Bishops. 💜 I seriously loved this book. It has signature Sabrina Stark elements, a hard Bishop boy who becomes soft and loving for the right girl. A girl who is in more peril than she realises. An evil villain you'd like to punch. A love story which is unfolding like flower petals. Then, boom! A cliffhanger ending which makes your lip curl thinking about when the next book is released. As usual those Bishop boys hitme right in the heart. I desperately want there to be a hea but that's not looking promising at all. I trust Sabrina to pull all the threads she's left dangling together. 'The wait will be worth it' is my current mantra. I am looking forward to the next book immensely.
I love reading a book that sucks you into the story and won't let you leave until the very last page. That’s what this book was like for me, forget sleep this book was well worth losing sleep over. I loved the main characters Melody and Joel. I loved peeling back the layers to discover who Joel really is. I love a story that can make you cry, smile, laugh and leave you feeling happy. Also Joel doesn’t take sh*t from anyone and that Melody is not your average perfect girl (she is sweet and determined, quirky with a talent for putting her foot in it)
Before starting this book, you could pick up the Jake Bishop books and the Illegal Fortunes book and read these first. I haven’t done that but I would imagine that you will get the bigger picture about some of the characters in the book. But it can easily be read as a standalone – but I would love to know more about Joels brothers.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review, but everything I write is my own opinion.
This is a story about Melody and Joel. It is well written and enjoyable. The main characters are well described and well developed. Melody is strong and stubborn. Fighting to make her family business survive. She meets Joel when he is in town away from his very commanding family. The characters have a fun way to talk to each other. They do not know if they want to give in to each other. But they are very likeable and feel realistic. Sometimes their banter made me laugh and I like that in a book. The story has erotic scenes, chemistry, drama, romance and lots of emotion. But it does not have a HEA. The ending is a cliffhanger and I hate that in a book. There are lots of endings in the story that needs to come out. Lots of questions that needs answers. So you have to read the second book to have those answers and the ending of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I received an ARC of this story in return for my honest review. This was a new author and I started reading with no expectations. It took a few chapters to grab my attention and for the story to start to develop but once it grabbed me, there was no putting it down. It's the story of Melody and Joel - she is struggling through the death of her parents and how her life has changed because of that tragedy and Joel - who has his own secrets and the very unusual way the two of them become acquainted. Their slowly growing relationship is filled with twists and turns and bumps in the road. They finally are honest and truthful with each other and things look to finally be turning around for both of them. You want nothing more than a happily-ever-after but there are more detours that tear them apart.... Makes me less-than-patiently wait for "Something True" which is the conclusion to this story. It's going to be so good!!
I received an ARC for an honest review Let me start by saying I LOVE Melody!!! I love her! I wanna be her best friend and go for coffee! And Joel...don't even get me started. So sweetly swoonworthy (yes that's a word!) I can't stand it!! Melody is daughter of a famous artist that has passed away. She's a celebrity and liveson an estate, but is destitute. The closest thing she has to a brother is in charge of her estate for a few more years and he is aweful. As payback for embarrassing him, the "brother" sets up Joel for a huge embarrassment. That's how Melody and Joel meet. They are so sweet together. Joel, his whole life was told he wasn't good enough. So between his low self esteem and the evil "brother", these two have a lot to over come. I will warn you, this book ends on a cliff hanger. I need the next book ASAP!
Something Tattered, Joel Bishop, book one by Sabrina Stark.
I was looking for a new author to read and review. I received a email about Something Tattered and after reading the synopsis I had hoped two things were going to happen. One, I was lucky enough to receive ARC of the book and two,I hoped this book was going to be as good as I thought it was going to be.
Something Tattered was a joy to read. I love it when a book sucks you into the story, and you can't stop reading it because your so invested in it by trying to figure out the mystery and secrets that the author hasn't finished letting you in on. Now I can't wait for the conclusion to Joel & Melody's story in, Something True.
Melissa's Most Memorable Moments received a complimentary copy for her to voluntarily read in exchange for a honest review.
First of all, I knew going in that this book was the first in a duet, so it would probably end in a cliffhanger… Okay, I usally avoid those, but I was offered a free copy. So, I thought, why not?
I am glad I read this book. I’m also glad that the sequel will be coming this Fall. I can wait… yeah. Sure I can… since I have no choice.
Meanwhile, I can devise ways to end Derek. Plenty of time to think of lots of scenarios.
But Melody and Joel find love in spite of everything. Don’t they? And things will straighten out in the end… Won’t they? I laughed and cried out loud, and shook my fist (Figuratively… Really). Aargh!
I liked Something Tattered so much that I jumped on the Sabrina Stark Fan Wagon (so to speak). I received a free copy of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received this book free as an ARC for my honest review.
This is the 1st book l have read from this author and l really enjoyed it.
Melody Blaire is the daughter of an artist, both her parents died in a plane crash and the estate is run by lawyers until she is 25. Joel Bishop is a fighter laying low from his brothers. Melody and Joel meet under difficult circumstances. With an interfering lawyer Derek, Melody’s life a financial strain and Joel getting even with his brothers this was a fantastic book.
This book does not contain an ending or any ending at all, you will need to read the next book or maybe the series for the ending, so if you want an ending in one book this book is not for you.
Awe the Bishop brothers. Even though I will always love Jake the best I really enjoyed getting to know Joel. He's always been there and so for him to get a story and hear his POV makes this a must read. No you don't have to read the other books but if haven't you will want to. As in true Sabrina Stark fashion we great a wonderfully written story with lots of drama, some unexpected twists, definitely some HEAT, plus some funny moments and just truly amazing characters. Cant wait for book 2 and I usually don't like cliffhangers but I couldn't wait to read this. And now there's so much story left to tell I am anguish to see what happens next.
I gave this Book a rating of 4 ✩’s Title: Something Tattered Series: Standalone Genre: New Adult & College Author: Sabrina Stark Format: Kindle Edition Published on: July 24, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed a Free Courtesy Advanced Reader Copy of this book >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< Character’s Descriptions: Melody Blaire must stand up for herself Joel Bishop is a brawler in almost all things. >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< What I liked/Didn’t Like: This one might just make you ROFL. I know it did me in a good way. Easy going banter between the characters and lots of twists in the plot kept me on my toes while reading this one.
I was looking forward to reading this book as the blurb sounded great...Melody is left to run her father's business but has no money.It's obvious something fishy is going on with the lawyers but because Melody is so sweet, she lets everyone run over her. Joel, however, is "bad" and tough. He doesn't like how people treat Melody and tries to help her out. But he's hiding something. We are left with no answers about Joel by the end of the book. I never felt like their relationship was real, there never was a connection between the two of them. I do look forward to the next book in hopes that all secrets are revealed.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
When does the next book come out? I need it now! This was amazing! I think I went through every emotion I possibly could. I was pissed, happy, sad, and everything in between. Poor Joel has not had an easy life. Melody although having a good lofe growing up has it hard now. And Derek....don't even get me started on him. What an a-hole! I think I would of LOVED to have an Aunt Gina growing up! Lol! I loved Melody amd Joel's love! Did I ask when the next book comes out yet?!! Seriously, if you get the chance to read this....do it!!!!
*** I am voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*** This is a ponder-some book to wade through and had great potential. Here it comes...BUT, can the h in this story, Melody, be anymore of a naive doormat to both her family and friends than she appears to be. I found that incredibly disturbing. Her family steals from her, her lifelong "friend",Derek, treats her like crap and is probably stealing from her as well. None of her "friends" seem to be aware of any of this???? And let's top this off with a cliffhanger for book 2, yeah, no thanks. Sorry, not for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book...
I really liked the story and the plot. I loved the characters despite their lacking certain sensibilities. Melody was really naive and didn't realize what Derek was up to. I loved Joel except when the tough got going he ran and left her. I almost rated it lower than a 4 star until I read part two will be coming out in the fall. This story ended with no warning and didn't let the reader know about part 2 coming. When that happens, it's generally a 3 star rating for me. I can't wait to see what happens with Joel and Melody in part 2.
“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book”. Great book. Characters are opposite with articulating themselves and their feelings. Misunderstandings occur. I love the characters but I feel another book coming will reveal what Derek and his father are truly deceiving of Melody and the estate. The anticipation alone is worth the five stars as the tension just keeps building. Good work